INFR vs SPY
Clearbridge Sustainable Infrastructure ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. INFR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INFR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $12M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.52% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.31% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.37% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.21% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.39% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 29, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
INFR vs SPY Performance
Clearbridge Sustainable Infrastructure ETF (INFR) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year INFR returned +26.37% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, INFR is up 0.31% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, INFR compounded at +5.21% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.39% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +3.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
INFR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -35.8% for INFR and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INFR charges 0.59% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $9 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INFR currently yields 2.52% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
INFR and SPY share 6 holdings out of 528 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, INFR or SPY?
INFR has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INFR or SPY?
Over the past year INFR returned +26.37% vs +20.83% for SPY, so INFR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), INFR annualized +3.53% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INFR or SPY?
INFR has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: INFR -35.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both INFR and SPY?
INFR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INFR and SPY?
INFR and SPY share 6 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INFR or SPY?
INFR yields 2.52% while SPY yields 1.01%, so INFR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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